Charminar Express | Sunnyvale

- 1191 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

For California residents seeking an authentic and vibrant taste of South Indian cuisine, Charminar Express in Sunnyvale is an essential destination. Identifying as an Asian-owned establishment, this restaurant proudly specializes in Halal and traditional Hyderabadi cuisine, a regional style of cooking famed for its rich flavors and signature dishes, most notably the legendary Biryani. The name 'Charminar' evokes the iconic landmark in Hyderabad, reflecting the restaurant’s deep-rooted commitment to bringing the city’s culinary heritage to the Bay Area.

Charminar Express offers a casual, family-friendly environment that is perfect for every occasion, from a quick solo bite to a large family dinner. The dining experience is centered around comfort food, small plates, and rich, flavorful curries. The menu showcases an impressive array of dishes, but the heart of their offering lies in their expertly prepared, aromatic Biryanis. Customers consistently praise the quality and generous portions of the food, noting that the vibrant, well-balanced spices create an unforgettable meal. The focus on Halal meat ensures that a wide segment of the community can enjoy their delicious non-vegetarian options with confidence.

Signature dishes and highly-rated items include the flavorful Tandoor Kebabs, such as the creamy and perfectly seasoned Malai Kebab – Chicken and the classic Tandoori Chicken. For vegetarian patrons, the Zafrani Paneer Tikka offers a delicious, smoky alternative. Among the entrées, favorites like the rich Butter Chicken and the traditional Chicken Tikka Masala are offered alongside regional specialties like Andhra Chicken Curry, Dum Ka Chicken, and the intense, slow-cooked Goat Haleem (a weekend special) and Hyderabadi Goat Curry.

One customer review noted that the Goat Dum Biryani was "probably one of the best biryani I’ve had in the South Bay," a high compliment that speaks to the restaurant's dedication to authenticity. The menu is complete with fresh Tandoor Breads, like Chili Garlic Naan, essential sides such as Cucumber Raita and Mirchi Ka Salan, and traditional desserts including Gulab Jamun and Apricot Delight, ensuring a complete and satisfying Indian dining experience.

Location and Accessibility

Charminar Express is conveniently situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, making it a prime location for residents and professionals in Sunnyvale and the surrounding areas of California. The address provides easy access for both dine-in guests and those utilizing their pickup services:

1191 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA

For the comfort and convenience of all patrons, the restaurant is designed with accessibility in mind. They feature a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. Parking is made simple with both a free parking lot and free street parking available. This convenient location, combined with ample parking, ensures a stress-free visit for lunch, dinner, or a quick pickup.

Services Offered

Charminar Express offers a comprehensive range of service options to suit all customer needs in the California market:

• Dine-in service in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere for enjoyable on-site meals.
• Takeout is available for convenient ordering and quick pickup.
• Delivery and No-contact delivery options are provided for enjoying authentic cuisine at home or work.
• Curbside pickup is offered for maximum convenience and minimal contact.
• Special offerings include a generous Family Feast for $69.99, perfect for feeding a household of 4-5 people.
• Catring services are offered, allowing customers to bring the delicious, authentic flavors of Hyderabadi cuisine to large events and parties.
• Accepts various payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Features / Highlights

Charminar Express distinguishes itself with several key features that appeal directly to California’s diverse and discerning food enthusiasts:

• A specialty in Hyderabadi Cuisine, focusing on traditional, aromatic, and layered flavors, particularly in their famous Biryanis.
• The entire menu is Halal, providing assurance of high-quality, properly prepared non-vegetarian dishes.
• Renowned for its extensive menu of Charminar Biryanis, including the highly popular Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani, Hyderabadi Goat Dum Biryani, and unique variations like Gongura Chicken Biryani and Avakaya Chicken Biryani.
• Features a dedicated section for classic Tandoor Kebabs, all cooked fresh in a tandoor oven, such as Chicken Lasooni Kebab and Zafrani Paneer Tikka.
• Offers a variety of tempting starters like Chicken 65, Chili Chicken, and both Vegetable and Paneer Samosas.
• A selection of traditional Hyderabadi sides is available, including Cucumber Raita and Mirchi Ka Salan, essential for completing the meal.
• Identifies as an Asian-owned business, contributing to the rich tapestry of ethnic cuisines in the Bay Area.
• Known for generous portion sizes, offering excellent value, particularly with their Family Feast option.

Contact Information (Address, Phone)

For directions, ordering, or catering inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1191 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA

Phone: (408) 212-4933 or +1 408-212-4933

What is Worth Choosing Charminar Express

Choosing Charminar Express is a decision to experience one of the Bay Area’s best interpretations of authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. The restaurant’s specialty in Biryani is a primary draw—it’s not just a dish, but a culinary event, with layers of aromatic rice, tender protein, and fragrant spices, often cited by local patrons as one of the best in the South Bay. This dedication to authentic, generational recipes and the use of fresh, traditional spices ensures a depth of flavor that elevates every plate.

The Halal certification is a significant factor, providing peace of mind and quality assurance for all meat-eating customers. Additionally, the menu successfully caters to all preferences, with rich, creamy curries like Butter Chicken for classic Indian food lovers, and fiery, regional entrées like Andhra Chicken Curry for those seeking a spicier kick. The availability of family-sized meals and a full range of service options—from curbside pickup to delivery—makes Charminar Express exceptionally convenient for California’s fast-paced lifestyle. For anyone in the Sunnyvale region looking for a flavorful, hearty, and genuine Indian meal that connects them to the rich traditions of Hyderabad, this restaurant offers an outstanding and highly recommended dining choice.

Charminar Express | Sunnyvale

1191 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA